MMDA workers get 30-minute ‘heat stroke’ break

MANILA, Philippines - Starting March 15, traffic enforcers and street cleaners of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will get a 30-minute “heat stroke” break.

Loida Alzona of the MMDA’s health, public safety and environmental protection office said the break would be observed until May 31.

Alzona said traffic enforcers and street cleaners can take alternate breaks from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“During these periods, they will be allowed to leave their posts and go to a shaded area where they can still see the road they are monitoring,” she said.

They will also get free purified drinking water and allowance, the MMDA said.

Alzona said MMDA personnel on night shift duty, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., are not entitled to the special break.

The agency said it is important to keep its personnel safe from heat stroke. In 2012, an MMDA traffic enforcer died from heat stroke.